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Guyana occupies the northern coast of South America. Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname form its borders, and a tapestry of East Indians, Africans, Chinese, Europeans and indigenous people comprise its population. Despite its location on the South American mainland, Guyana belongs to the Caribbean Community, and English is its official language. Its culture often "feels" more Caribbean than Latin. Some travelers, therefore, combine their Guyana vacations with a trip to Brazil. Many travel by air, but adventurers prefer the excitement of a road trip.

Drive Tourism

Approximately 74.5 percent of international tourists travel to Brazil by air, but 82.8 percent of Guyanese travelers arrive by road, reports Bruce Prideaux, author of "Drive Tourism: Trends and Emerging Markets." Decades ago, hazardous road conditions made this trip impossible. The 2009 opening of the Takatu Bridge, which connects Lethem, Guyana, to Bonfim, Brazil, facilitated easier travel, but travelers should still anticipate at least 10 hours on the road. During the journey, you meander past rain forests, grasslands and isolated terrain. Despite the length of the journey, some people appreciate the opportunity to get up close and personal with Guyana's intricate ecosystem.

Road Conditions

Guyana's road network measures approximately 2,482 miles. The road from Guyana's capital of Georgetown to Linden is paved. Once you reach Linden and travel to Lethem, the Guyana-Brazil border town, the road is unpaved and lined with potholes. Despite the improved driving conditions resulting from the opening of the Takatu Bridge to Brazil, road journeyers still experience occasional hazards such as fallen trees along the road. Bus and car drivers often travel with chainsaws, reports Kirk Smock, author of "Bradt Travel Guide: Guyana." Travel off the main highway requires a four-wheel drive vehicle with high ground clearance because of possible flooding. Drivers should also look out for free-range cattle that sometimes cross the road.

Practical Information

Citizens of the United States do not need a visa to enter Guyana, but a visa is required for entry into Brazil. Both countries request a valid U.S. passport, with at least six months of remaining validity. If you are the driver, bring an international diver's license. Remember to drive on the left. Yellow fever is endemic in Guyana and Brazil, reports CNN. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for entry into Guyana and required if you are crossing the border from Guyana to Brazil. The U.S. Center for Disease Control warns that mosquitoes cause malaria problems in some areas of Guyana. Bring a strong insect repellent.

Lethem Border Town

The border town of Lethem in Guyana deserves a visit, if only to break up the monotony of the drive. Lethem sits along on the Takutu River, which forms the border between Guyana and Brazil. Restaurants, shops and small hotels fill the town, and some of the cattle ranches offer lodging to overnight guests. If you need a day of exercise before you get back on the road, some of the locals offer guided hikes into the hills.

About the Author

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.